How to Increase Sales in E-Commerce? Marketplaces like Amazon and eBay as the Key to Success

How to Increase Sales in E-Commerce? Marketplaces like Amazon and eBay as the Key to Success

by | Mar 16, 2025 | ecoomerce

The marketplace has become one of the most important sales channels for companies in e-commerce. Through the marketplace, sellers can reach a broad customer base, while consumers have access to a wide range of products in one place. This is a convenient solution for both buyers and sellers, who can take advantage of an existing sales infrastructure.

The popularity of marketplaces is growing both in Poland and worldwide. Global giants such as Amazon and eBay set trends, while local market leaders like Allegro and Empik provide Polish businesses with access to millions of customers.

Advantages of Marketplaces in E-Commerce

  • Increased sales – Access to a large number of potential customers who regularly visit the platform in search of products.
  • Easy expansion – The ability to sell on international markets without investing in additional infrastructure.
  • Building trust – Customers often trust well-known platforms more than new, unfamiliar online stores.
  • Sales automation – Marketplaces offer tools for managing orders, payments, and logistics.
  • Reduced marketing costs – Thanks to marketplaces, organic traffic can be leveraged without high investments in advertising.

Amazon – The Largest Marketplace in the World

Amazon is the world’s leading online marketplace, with over 300 million active users. Sellers can either sell independently or use the FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) program, which automates the logistics process and handles shipping through Amazon.

eBay – A Global Marketplace for Auctions and Direct Sales

eBay is a platform that operates both as a direct sales and online auction marketplace. It is particularly popular among individual sellers and businesses looking to reach customers worldwide.

Allegro – The Market Leader in Polish E-Commerce

Allegro is the largest e-commerce platform in Poland, holding a 40% market share. The platform enjoys great trust among Polish customers looking for a wide range of products.

Empik Marketplace – Growth Opportunities for Sellers in Poland

Empik Marketplace is a dynamically growing platform that attracts sellers from industries such as books, electronics, household goods, and lifestyle products. Thanks to the strong Empik brand, merchants benefit from a large reach and extensive marketing opportunities.

Modern Technologies for Marketplace Integration

With the increasing popularity of marketplaces, there is a growing need for effective integration and automation of sales processes. Solutions like BaseLinker enable full synchronization with marketplaces, significantly simplifying the management of orders, products, and logistics.

 

Conclusion

Marketplaces are a key element of a successful e-commerce strategy. Platforms such as Amazon, eBay, Allegro, and Empik allow businesses to reach new customers, increase their revenue, and utilize an existing logistics infrastructure. The integration with marketplaces, in which Grupa Insight specializes, enables sellers to efficiently automate processes and optimize their sales performance. Grupa Insight is an expert in marketplace integration, helping businesses successfully sell across different markets. We offer comprehensive e-commerce solutions, including product synchronization, order management, and sales optimization.

PrestaShop vs Shopify – Which E-commerce Platform is Best for Your Business?

PrestaShop vs Shopify – Which E-commerce Platform is Best for Your Business?

by | Feb 28, 2025 | ecoomerce, software hosue

Choosing the right e-commerce platform is a crucial decision for any online store owner. PrestaShop and Shopify are among the most popular systems for online selling, but they differ in many ways. Which platform is better for your business? Check out this detailed comparison in terms of features, costs, flexibility, integrations with marketplaces, and international sales.

PrestaShop vs Shopify – General Overview

PrestaShop – Open-Source and Flexible E-commerce Platform. PrestaShop is an open-source system, meaning you can download, install, and customize it according to your needs. Users have full control over the source code, allowing deep customization, but it requires technical knowledge and self-managed hosting.

Key Features of PrestaShop:
✅ No monthly fees for platform usage
✅ Full customization of the store
✅ Access to thousands of modules and themes
✅ Ideal for medium and large businesses

Shopify – Simple and Fast SaaS Solution
Shopify is a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, meaning users pay a monthly subscription, and the entire store operates on Shopify’s servers. It’s a great solution for those who want to quickly launch an online store without handling hosting or technical configurations.

Key Features of Shopify:
✅ Very easy to use – perfect for beginners
✅ Built-in cloud hosting
✅ 24/7 customer support
✅ Ready-to-use integrations with payment and shipping providers

Functionality and Expansion Capabilities

Integrations with Marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, Allegro)

Feature PrestaShop Shopify
Amazon Amazon modules allow product synchronization, but they are paid Built-in Amazon Marketplace app
eBay Possible integration through modules, but requires setup Official eBay app allows seamless synchronization
Allegro Available integrations through external modules Integration via apps in the Shopify App Store

📌 PrestaShop offers many integrations but often requires manual setup or purchasing modules.
📌 Shopify has ready-to-use apps that enable quick connections with marketplaces.

Feature Expansion and Modules
PrestaShop provides full access to the source code, allowing unlimited customization. It has over 4,000 modules (some paid).
Shopify offers Shopify App Store, with thousands of apps, though most require monthly subscriptions.
💡 If you need full control over features, PrestaShop is the better choice. If you prefer ready-to-use solutions, go with Shopify.

International Sales

Multi-Language and Multi-Currency Support
PrestaShop has a built-in multilingual feature, allowing translation of the store into different languages. It also supports multiple currencies, but automatic exchange rate updates require additional modules.

Shopify, in its Advanced Shopify and Shopify Plus plans, offers international selling options with automatic currency conversion and store translations.

📌 For multilingual stores, PrestaShop offers more flexibility, while Shopify provides better automation.

International Shipping and Logistics
PrestaShop allows adding various shipping methods and tax rates for different countries.

Shopify has built-in tools for international selling and partnerships with courier companies, making shipping configuration easier.
📦 For hassle-free international shipping, Shopify is a more convenient option.

 

Costs and Fees

Criteria PrestaShop Shopify
Installation Cost Free From $29/month
Hosting Requires external hosting (from $10-$30/month) Included in the subscription
Modules & Add-ons Often paid (one-time purchase) Many paid apps (subscription-based)
Transaction Fees Varies by chosen payment gateway 0% with Shopify Payments, up to 2% with other providers
Customer Support Paid or community-based Included in the subscription

📌 PrestaShop can be cheaper in the long run but requires investments in hosting and modules.
📌 Shopify has fixed monthly costs but provides full support and hosting.

 

Summary – Which Platform is Better for Your Business?

Choose PrestaShop if:
✅ You want full control over your store and source code
✅ You need advanced integrations with multiple marketplaces
✅ You sell internationally and want to customize the store for different markets
✅ You have technical skills or a budget for a developer

Choose Shopify if:
✅ You want to quickly launch a store with ready-to-use solutions
✅ You don’t have technical knowledge and need simplicity
✅ You plan to sell on marketplaces like Amazon or eBay
✅ You want to expand internationally without complex configurations

Your choice depends on your needs and budget. PrestaShop gives more control but requires technical knowledge. Shopify is easier to use but limits customization.

How to Create a Good Website Brief? – A Guide to Effective Web Design

How to Create a Good Website Brief? – A Guide to Effective Web Design

by | Feb 28, 2025 | software hosue

Creating a website is a process that requires careful planning, and a well-prepared project brief is a key element of this stage. This document outlines the most important project assumptions and facilitates collaboration with the developer, whether it be a web design agency or a freelance web developer. How do you create an effective website brief? Here are the key aspects that will help you in designing web services.

1. Define the Purpose of the Website
First, it is essential to determine the main goal of the website. Should it be a company website, e-commerce store, blog, or perhaps an educational platform? A clear definition of the goal will help tailor the UX/UI design and website functionalities accordingly.

2. Identify the Target Audience
Understanding the target audience is fundamental to effective web design. The brief should include information about the users’ age, interests, and needs. This will make the website project more intuitive and aligned with customer expectations.

3. Define the Website’s Functional Scope
The brief should include detailed information about the required website functionalities, such as:

  • E-commerce store – integration with payment systems, shopping cart management
  • Booking system – useful for service businesses and the hospitality industry
  • Company blog – for content publication and Google SEO visibility
  • Integration with external tools – CRM, newsletter, marketing automation systems

4. Website Structure and Navigation
Creating a site map will help plan an intuitive navigation structure. The most commonly used sections include:

  • Home Page
  • About Us
  • Services / Offer
  • Blog
  • Contact

A well-structured website UX improves conversion rates and enhances SEO optimization.

5. Design Inspirations and Visual Aspects
If you have examples of websites you like, include them in the brief. You can also specify preferences regarding color scheme, graphic style, and typography. This will help adapt the website’s visual design to your brand identity.

6. Brand Book and Visual Identity
If your company has a brand book, it should be attached to the brief. This ensures that web design remains consistent with your brand image.

7. Budget and Project Timeline
It is crucial to specify the estimated budget and expected project completion time. This will help avoid misunderstandings and plan the website development process more efficiently.

Conclusion
A well-prepared website project brief is the foundation of a successful project. The more detailed and refined your document is, the greater the chance that the developer will deliver a professionally designed website that meets your expectations.

What Is SERP?

What Is SERP?

by | Jan 17, 2025 | SEO

SERP (Search Engine Results Page) is the page of search results generated by a search engine, such as Google, Bing, or Yahoo, in response to a user’s query. It is a list of results that the search engine considers the most relevant and helpful for the specific query.

Components of SERP

A search engine results page typically consists of several elements, including:

  1. Organic Results
    • These are unpaid results that appear in the SERP due to effective SEO efforts. Their ranking is determined by search engine algorithms, which take into account factors such as content quality, technical optimisation, and website authority.
  2. Paid Ads (PPC)
    • Paid search results (e.g., Google Ads) usually appear at the top or bottom of the SERP and are marked as “Ad.” Companies pay for each click on these results.
  3. Featured Snippets
    • These are special boxes that provide a concise answer to the user’s query at the very top of the page. They can include text, tables, lists, or other formats.
  4. Local Pack (Maps)
    • For location-specific searches (e.g., “restaurants in London”), the SERP may display a map with local business results.
  5. Image, Video, and News Results
    • The search engine may also showcase additional formats such as images, YouTube videos, or the latest news articles.

Why Is SERP Important?

The SERP is the primary interface where users interact with the search engine and decide which site to visit. Visibility in the SERP is critical for driving traffic to a website. Sites that appear on the first page of search results have a significantly higher chance of receiving clicks than those on subsequent pages.

How to Improve Visibility in the SERP

  • SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) – Enhance rankings in organic search results.
  • PPC Campaigns – Increase visibility through paid advertising.
  • Content Marketing – Create valuable and unique content that addresses user queries.
  • Local Optimisation – For local businesses, ensure visibility in maps and local results.

The SERP is a dynamic space that reflects how users search for information, with search engines tailoring results to meet their needs. For businesses and website owners, it represents a competitive battleground for user attention.

The Magic Word – Keywords. What Does It Mean?

The Magic Word – Keywords. What Does It Mean?

by | Jan 17, 2025 | SEO

Keywords are the cornerstone of any SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) strategy. While they may sound mysterious to some, they are simply words or phrases that users type into search engines to find information, products, or services of interest. But why are they often referred to as “magic words,” and what role does the number of monthly searches play?

What Are Keywords?

Keywords are essentially the bridge between the content on your website and the needs of your audience. They help search engines like Google understand what your site is about and determine who should see it in search results. For instance, if you run a coffee shop, keywords such as “whole bean coffee,” “coffee grinder,” or “best coffee for espresso machines” will help attract people interested in these products.

The Magic Is in the Numbers – The Importance of Monthly Search Volume

Not all keywords are created equal. One of the most important factors determining their value is their monthly search volume. What does this mean in practice?

  • High search volume: Keywords with a high number of searches can generate significant traffic, but they are often highly competitive. For example, “whole bean coffee” might be searched thousands of times a month, making it attractive but challenging to rank for.
  • Low search volume: Keywords with a lower search volume, often referred to as long-tail keywords, are more specific and target a narrower audience. For example, “whole bean coffee for espresso machines” might have fewer searches, but it appeals to users who are closer to making a purchase.

You can find these numbers using tools like Google Keyword Planner, which provides insights into both search volume and keyword competitiveness.

Why Are Keywords Important for Your Business?

Optimising your website for the right keywords allows you to reach customers at every stage of their “buying journey”:

  1. Informational stage: Users are seeking general information, e.g., “how to make perfect coffee at home.”
  2. Comparative stage: They are looking for specific products or solutions, e.g., “best whole bean coffee for espresso.”
  3. Purchase stage: They are ready to buy, e.g., “buy whole bean coffee online.”

By using keywords strategically, you can create content tailored to each stage, increasing your chances of attracting and retaining users.

Not Just Search Volume – What Else Matters?

While monthly search volume is an essential metric, it shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing keywords. Here are other aspects to consider:

  • User intent: Not every keyword with a high search volume will bring valuable traffic. For instance, “coffee” is a very broad term that could refer to anything from recipes to coffee history. On the other hand, “best coffee for espresso machines” is more specific and targets users who are ready to make a purchase.
  • Competitiveness: Keywords with high competition require more effort and time to rank well.
  • Local relevance: For local businesses, it’s worth including location-specific keywords, such as “whole bean coffee London.”

How to Use Keywords in Practice

  1. Create valuable content: Your articles, product descriptions, and blog posts should be optimised for the chosen keywords. However, the content must remain natural and helpful to users – stuffing keywords unnaturally can lead to penalties from search engines.
  2. Optimise technical elements: Meta titles, descriptions, and headings are key places where keywords should appear.
  3. Monitor performance: Regularly track which keywords are driving traffic to your site and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Conclusion

Keywords are the foundation of any effective SEO strategy, but choosing them requires careful analysis. Monthly search volume is a key indicator of a keyword’s potential, but when combined with other factors like user intent and competition, it helps create a strategy that not only improves search visibility but also attracts high-quality traffic to your site.

Remember – the magic of keywords lies in their ability to act as a bridge, guiding users directly to your offer when chosen and utilised correctly.